Ron Kirk to depart in late February

1/22/13 3:25 PM EST

U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk will leave the Obama administration at the end of February, he announced Tuesday.

Kirk had indicated late last year that he planned to return home to Texas, but he confirmed his plans with a statement Tuesday. The United States, he said, "great strides to bring about the president’s vision of a more robust, responsible, and responsive trade policy that opens markets to products stamped ‘Made-in-America’ and enforces Americans’ trade rights around the world – and does so in a way that is more consistent with America’s core values on issues like the rights of workers and the environment.”

In a separate statement, President Obama thanked Kirk for "deliver[ing] results for the American people and for our economy."

"From bringing home new trade agreements with Korea, Colombia and Panama and negotiating to open up new markets for American businesses, to cracking down on unfair trade practices around the world, he has been a tremendous advocate for the American worker," Obama said.

"As a former mayor, Ron was relentless in making the case to the American public that a balanced, thoughtful trade policy can contribute to a stronger economic future for America. I appreciate his service and wish him the best of luck," the president added.